Ravena's POV.
I stepped out of the forest, my eyes scanning the familiar Lunar Pack's territory. This was the same place I had so loved and called home. Till my parents were wrongfully executed, and I was sent away. Discarded, like a piece of trash with no use. After the injustice I suffered, I am back to get revenge on all those who hurt me.
My heart was filled with a mix of emotions - determination, anger, and a hint of fear. I had spent years gathering strength, training, and planning my approach. I have planned every single step of my action, from my conversation to counter plans. But the uncertainty of my presence in the pack was evident. I have taken care of that, but still....
As I walked towards the palace , I sensed someone behind me. I turned, my hackles raised, and my eyes locked onto the figure behind me. I instantly recognized that smile. Akira, the daughter of the man who gave out the order to have my parents killed.
"Akira," I said, my voice low. "Always a pleasure."
My sarcasm was obvious , but I would not let my emotions get the better of me . Not yet. I knew she was hiding something, but I wouldn't let my guard down. Not until I had a better understanding the pack.
With a curt nod, I continued towards the palace , Akira walking beside me. The pack's fate, and my own destiny, were all in my hands . I could feel the weight of my family's spilled blood on my shoulders, and I was ready to fight everyone who hurt them.
As I walked towards the palace , Akira's presence beside me was a constant reminder of the danger I was waking into . I could feel her eyes on me, sizing me up, wondering what I was capable of. I kept my gaze . Deciding to not give her the satisfaction of knowing what I am up to.
We approached the pack's hospital, a small building in the heart of the palace . I had a specific destination in mind - Thorne, the former Alpha's beta. The man who had saved me when my parents were killed. My heart raced at the thought of seeing him again, I already sent him word...I just hope he got it.
I pushed open the door, and the familiar scent of hospital and herbs enveloped me. The hospital was dimly lit, the only sound the soft beeping of hospital machines . I spotted Thorne in the corner, his broad frame and piercing green eyes.
My approach was careful and silent, but Thorne's head turned up, his gaze locking onto mine. Shock was on his face, followed by disbelief. "Ravena?" he whispered, as if unsure it was really me.
I stopped in front of him, my eyes locked on his. "Thorne," I said, my voice low and even.
He rose from his chair, his movements slow, as if he was being cautious . "Ravena, where have you...how did you...?" His voice trailed off, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
I didn't give him a chance to finish. "I'm back for one reason, Thorne. Revenge."
Thorne's expression changed, a mix of surprise and caution crossing his face. "Revenge? Against who?"
I smiled, a cold smile. "Ryker. The man who killed my parents, who destroyed my family. I'm here to take back what's mine, Thorne. And I won't let anyone stand in my way. No one at all."
Thorne's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "Ravena, you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Ryker is not the same man he used to be. He's more powerful, more ruthless... he has been looking for you for years now, he will snap your head off your neck the minute he finds out you are alive and in his territory."
I laughed, a harsh sound. "More powerful? Ha! I've spent the past years training, preparing. I'm not the same scared, helpless girl you saved all those years ago. I'm a force to be reckoned with, Thorne. And Ryker will soon learn that. I do not care who he has formed an alliance with, anyone who gets in my way will not be spared."
Thorne's eyes gave me a warning, but I stood my ground. "I'm not afraid of Ryker, Thorne. I'm afraid of what I'll become if I don't stop him. I am afraid of living with the guilt knowing that the same man who killed my parents is still alive and roaming around."
Thorne sighed, massaging his temples. "Ravena, you're not thinking clearly. You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. And when he see you, he will let his sword do the talking. I am not even sure he will grant you immediate death.... Your disappearance from the pack cost him a great deal, what he will do to you I can only imagine."
I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You don't understand, Thorne. You don't know what it's like to have your family torn away from you. To be left with nothing but anger and pain. You do not understand what it feels like to see your parents in your dreams crying..."
Just then, the door burst open, and a young man walked in, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. "Thorne, who's this?" he asked, his gaze darting to Thorne.
Thorne hesitated, he gave me a knowing smile before finally speaking up . "Ah, Kael, this is...my daughter, Ravena."
Kael's eyes snapped back to me, a look of surprise and disbelief. "Your daughter? I had no idea you had a daughter, Thorne." He said with a smile. "Hi, I am Kael, Alpha of the pack."
I smiled, a sweet, innocent smile. "Hi, Kael. Nice to meet you."
Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on me. "Likewise...Ravena." I smirked, little did Kael know...this is the beginning of his woes.
I will make sure nothing goes right...
Alpha Kael.
Ravena's POV.
Few minutes later, Kael left the room to attend to more pressing issues and I turned to Thorne.
"Show me around, will you please?" I said with a smile on my face.
"Sure," Thorne said. " I am sick of playing sick...this was the only place I could think of a secretive meeting."
I followed Thorne through the endless corridors of the pack's hospital , taking in the sights and making mental notes of my new surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of wolves, earth and herbs, a sharp contrast to the city streets I had left behind.
As we walked, Thorne pointed out various places that I should know and introduced me to pack members he saw, each calling me his daughter , their curious gazes on me . I smiled and nodded, playing the part of Thorne's daughter with ease. I had orchestrated this.
We stopped at an open space , where a group of wolves worked , drying herbs in the sun. Thorne gestured to a beautiful woman with piercing green eyes and black hair. "That's Lyra, our pack healer. She's been with us for years."
I felt a bit of interest, my mind coming up with plans . A healer could be useful in my quest for revenge.
Thorne continued the tour, introducing me to Zephyr, Kael's beta , we spent a few minutes together before I left . I played along, gathering information and impressions, my senses on high alert.
As the sun became lazy and sunk behind the clouds,I suddenly saw Akira, glaring at me , her eyes on me. I didn't acknowledge her, but my instincts told me she would soon be digging into my past, searching for secrets.
The sun began to set. Thorne led me back to his house,a small smile on his face. "You're fitting in well, Ravena. I think you'll find your place here."
I smiled back, a genuine one this time . "Thanks, Thorne. I feel like I'm home."
As we settled into Thorne's place, I decided to talk on the subject of Akira. "Thorne, can I talk to you about something?"
He looked at me with a hint of concern in his eyes. "Of course, Ravena. What's on your mind?"
"Akira," I said, my voice low. "I don't trust her. She's been watching me, and soon I fear she will be trying to uncover my secrets."
Thorne's expression turned thoughtful. "Akira can be...persistent. But she's loyal to the pack. I'm sure she will be a threat if she finds out why you are really here. But you can pretend ti be here friend, she might be useful."
I leaned in, my eyes on his. "I'm not so sure. And I want to be prepared. That's why I want to join the council of advisors."
Thorne's eyebrows went up. "The council? That's a bold move, Ravena. What makes you think you're ready for that?"
I smiled, a small smile. "I've been watching, learning. I have skills and knowledge that could benefit the pack. And being on the council would give me the perfect opportunity to...influence decisions. And not to mention, my father is the greatest beta that Lunar Lycan Pack."
Thorne studied me, a knowing look in his eyes. "I'll consider it, Ravena. But you need to understand, the council is not a place for personal affairs. It's about what's best for the pack."
I nodded, my heart racing with excitement as I thought of how to use the pack's interest for my own selfish purposes . "I understand. And I promise, my loyalty is to the pack. But I also know that sometimes, the best way to serve the pack is to eliminate threats from within. Right?"
Thorne's gaze stayed on me, a hint of fear in his eyes. But I knew I had gotten him to believe me. And soon, I would be in the perfect position to start my revenge. Thorne had been wronged by Ryker...and that's why he was helping me get revenge.
Thorne nodded thoughtfully, his eyes still fixed on me. "I'll consider your request, Ravena. But like I said, the council is not a place for personal affairs. You need to prove yourself, show me that you're committed to the pack's well-being. You have to get through Kael and the upper up's...then we can discuss your entry."
I smiled,determination within me. "I understand, Thorne. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself. I'll work twice as hard as anyone else, I'll take on any task you give me. Just give me the chance to show you what I'm capable of. Please..."
Thorne nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Alright, Ravena. I'll give you a chance. But remember, the council is not a place for the weak of heart. You need to be prepared to make tough decisions, to put the pack's needs before your own."
I nodded, my heart racing. "I'm ready, Thorne. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to serve the pack. If you know what I mean...."
Thorne nodded, his eyes filled with approval. "Good. I'll summon the council tomorrow night. Be prepared to present your case."
I nodded, a sense of determination rising within me. I knew that this was just the beginning, that the real challenge lay ahead. But I was ready, ready to face whatever life has in store for me.
Hi "Let's practice..." I said, suddenly.
Thorne'z gaze was quizzical...but he nodded.
"Ravena," Thorne said, his voice firm. "You have requested a place on the council. Tell us, why do you think you're qualified for this position?"
I took a deep breath, my mind racing with thoughts, even though I knew that it was fake I could not help it . "Because, Thorne, I have skills and knowledge that could benefit the pack. I've been watching, learning from my father, and I know that I can make a difference. I'm willing to work hard, to do whatever it takes to serve the pack."
Thorne snorted, rolling his eyes in mock disbelief. "You think you're qualified? You're just a pup, Ravena. You don't know the first thing about leading a pack."
I gritted my teeth....
"See...your anger issues will ruin your hard work." Thorne said...cutting our play game short.
"And Akira ?"
Ravena's POV.
I stood outside Kael's private chambers , my heart racing with thoughts . I had practiced this moment countless times, preparing myself for the event of rejection. But I couldn't let fear hold me back. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, squared my shoulders, and knocked on the door.
"Enter," Kael's voice called out, firm and authoritative.
I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room, darting between the painting on the walls and Kael. He looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowed as he approached me.
"Ravena," he said, his voice calm and measured . "What brings you here?"
I approached him, my legs shaking despite the calm aura that oozed out of me. "Kael, I need to speak with you about something important. My father, Thorne...he's not well. His health is failing, and he can't continue to serve on the council."
I watched as Kael's expression softened, his eyes suddenly filled with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. Thorne is a valued member of the council. The most important member if you ask me."
I took another step closer, my heart thundering in my chest . "That's why I want to take his place. I want to serve on the council, to represent my father's interests and continue his work."
Kael raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical . "You think you're ready for that? The council is not a place for the weak of heart."
I stood straight , my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm not faint of heart, Kael. I've been watching, learning. I have ideas, strategies that could benefit the pack. And I'm willing to work hard to prove myself."
I could see the doubt in Kael's eyes. But I also saw a tiny twinkle of curiosity, a hint of interest. I pressed on, my words spilling out in a rush.
"I know the pack's history, its strengths and weaknesses. I have a vision for the future, one that goes in line with my father's goals. And I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in."
The room became silent, the only sound my slow and steady breathing . Kael's gaze never left my face, his eyes seemed to bear into my soul. Then, finally, he spoke.
"Very well, Ravena. I'll consider your request. But know this: the council is not a place for personal affairs. You must put the pack's needs before your own. You will also be on probation...just to be sure about who we are taking as a replacement for Thorne." Kael said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
I felt a surge of hope, a feeling of triumph. I had done it. I had presented my case, and Kael was considering my request. Now, all I had to do was wait...and hope, hope he would accept my case and make me a replacement for Thorne.
Just as I was about to leave, Kael's loud voice rang out behind me.
Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Ravena, if your father is Thorne, why didn't you grow up in the pack? You're clearly not familiar with our ways, our traditions."
I hesitated, my mind racing as I tried to think of my already prepared lies . I had expected this question, but I still needed to tread carefully. I couldn't reveal the truth - that I was a stranger, a girl who came back to ruin his father . So I did the only thing I could think of - I lied.
"Kael, my father sent me away to learn more about herbs and healing. He wanted me to explore the world beyond the pack, to bring back new ideas and knowledge. New knowledge and ideas that would take the pack to greater heights."
Kael's expression was skeptical. "Herbs and healing? That's not typical for a pack member, especially not the daughter of a high-ranking member like Thorne."
I shrugged, trying to appear casual. "My father wanted me to have a different perspective, to learn from other cultures and traditions. He believed it would make me a stronger, more valuable member of the pack in the long run. He does not want me to stay here and grow up with only skills of pack politics."
Kael's eyes still looked doubtful, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "I see. Well, Ravena, I'll consider your request to join the council. But like I said, it's not a decision I'll make lightly. You'll need to prove yourself, show me that you're truly committed to the pack and its well-being."
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. I had done it - I had convinced Kael to consider my request. Now all I had to do was wait, and hope that he wouldn't discover the truth about my past.
"I will....if you give me the chance." I said, pressing my chances.
Just as Kael was about to respond, the door burst open and Akira walked in, her eyes fixed on her brother. "Kael, we need to talk. Now."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Akira? Can't you see I'm in the middle of a meeting?"
Akira's gaze darted to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I apologize, but this is urgent. And it concerns the pack's security."
Kael sighed. "Very well. Ravena, please excuse us for a moment."
But to my surprise, Akira spoke up. "No, Kael. I think she should stay. This concerns her too. After all she is Thorne's daughter."
Kael's eyes met mine, and I saw a hint of curiosity there. "Very well. Ravena, stay. Akira, what is it that's so urgent?"
Akira hesitated, her eyes darting between us. "It's about the recent attacks on our borders. I think we have a traitor in our midst. Or at least someone that is trying to weaken our defenses and become one of us."
My heart skipped a beat. A traitor? That was exactly what I was pretending to be.
Kael's expression turned grave. "What makes you think that?"
Akira pulled out a paper , unfolding it to reveal a map of the pack's territory. "I've been tracking the attacks, and I think I've found a pattern. Whoever is doing this is trying to weaken our defenses, make us vulnerable to attack."
Kael's eyes scanned the map, his brow furrowed in concern. "This is serious. We need to investigate further."
And then, to my shock, he turned to me. "Ravena, I think you and Akira should work together on this. You're both skilled in different areas, and I think you could complement each other well."
Akira's eyes widened in disbelief. "Kael, are you serious? She's a stranger, we don't even know if we can trust her! Don't get me wrong, I only asked her to stay so she can tell her father...who is the most important member of the pack, after you my alpha."
But Kael's expression was firm. "I've made up my mind, Akira. Ravena, are you willing to work with my sister to uncover the truth behind these attacks?"